DENVER — The No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines are heading to the Sweet 16 after securing an impressive 91-79 victory over the No. 4 seed Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. This marks Michigan’s 19th Sweet 16 appearance, a notable resurgence following a tumultuous previous season where they finished with a 24-loss record.
Michigan demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming a 10-point second-half deficit with a decisive performance. Roddy Gayle Jr. was particularly instrumental in the Wolverines’ success, scoring a season-high 26 points, with 21 of his points coming in the second half as he ignited the team's comeback.
Joining Gayle in the offensive onslaught was Vladislav Goldin, who contributed significantly with 23 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing a dominant presence around the basket. Danny Wolf also chimed in with 14 points and nine rebounds, while L.J. Cason added 11 points to round out a strong scoring effort.
For Texas A&M, Pharrel Payne led the effort with a career-high 26 points on 10-of-13 shooting but ultimately fell short as the Aggies struggled in the closing moments. Wade Taylor IV added 14 points for Texas A&M, who entered the game with high hopes but could not sustain their early momentum.
The match saw a flurry of lead changes and was tightly contested throughout the first half, which ended with Texas A&M ahead 39-35 after a 5-0 run. The Aggies, known for their rebounding prowess, were aggressive on the boards but ultimately were outhustled under the hoop, with Michigan managing 16 offensive rebounds compared to A&M's 15.
Michigan's turning point came midway through the second half. Trailing 51-41 with 15:46 remaining, the Wolverines began to chip away at the deficit. With Gayle leading the charge, Michigan went on a remarkable 20-5 run, flipping the score to 71-70 with just over six minutes left. Gayle hit crucial baskets, including a game-tying three-pointer and two free throws that energized his team and the crowd.
As the intensity ramped up, the Aggies tried to respond. A layup by Zhuric Phelps brought Texas A&M within three points at 82-79 with 1:29 remaining. However, Michigan sealed the game by scoring the final nine points, turning to their free-throw shooting in the closing moments to secure the win.
Beyond the individual performances, the chemistry displayed by the Wolverines underscored the success of their new head coach, Dusty May, who has reinvigorated the program since taking over. Just last season, Michigan had a dismal 8-24 record under previous coach Juwan Howard. This year, however, the team finished second in the Big Ten and clinched the conference tournament title, establishing themselves as a formidable contender in this year’s NCAA tournament.
The Wolverines will next face the winner of the Auburn vs. Creighton game in the Sweet 16, aiming to continue their March Madness journey. With their current five-game winning streak, which includes their conference tournament, Michigan appears to be peaking at the right time, showcasing both determination and the ability to perform under pressure.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Wolverines as they strive for further success in this historically significant event.
